National History



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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., is the oldest and the coldest, Black Greek letter organization which was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The first unit of this national fraternity, organized by college men, was called Alpha Chapter. It was founded as a response to a need for an organization of highly motivated and college trained Black men, which could address the problems of the Black Community. This need was recognized by the visionary founders of the fraternity, know as the Seven Jewels. These innovative men, Jewels Henry A. Callis, Charles H. Chapman, Eugene K. Jones, George B. Kelley, Nathaniel A. Murray, Robert H. Ogle, and Vertner W. Tandy, labored in years of economic struggle and racial conflict in the United States. Despite the difficulties of organization in this untried field of student life the early fraternity pioneers succeeded in laying a firm and purposeful foundation. From this timely beginning, the dream and influence of Alpha Phi Alpha spread to other groups of young men who wrought avenues by which to affect needed change. Thus an organization that sprang from a need for Black self help and unity on a predominantly White college setting has grown into an Organization of worldwide scope and influences. With the betterment of the Black community in mind, Alpha Phi Alpha has embarked upon a program of racial action and social purpose. The fraternity instituted the "Go to High School - Go to College" program, which was designed to impress upon the Black Youths the importance and necessity of education, as well as the Education Foundation which set aside scholarships and fellowships for outstanding students. These programs were specifically designed to address the problem of educational opportunity for the disadvantaged and minorities. The fraternity helped finance landmark legal cases like the Scottsboro Case. In addition to this, Alpha men who happened to be attorneys actively attacked Jim Crow laws and fought for equal rights in courtrooms throughout the end. Realizing the importance of the utilization of voting rights by Black People, a voter registration program was instituted under the slogan "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People". The fraternity has provided leadership in all fields of endeavor. Alpha men were vital to the founding of the National Urban League, United Negro College Fund, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The fraternity has grown steadily in scope and influence since its inception.There is no doubt that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will continue to strive for excellence, give service and provide leadership in finding solutions to the ongoing problems facing the Black Community.

Alpha Phi Alpha Brothers @ Wilberforce University.
(Source: The Divine 9, By Bro. Lawrence C. Ross, Jr.)

Alpha Phi Alpha Sphixmen Pledges.
(Source: The Divine 9, By Bro. Lawrence C. Ross, Jr.)

Alpha Phi Alpha Sphinxmen pledges @ Wilberforce University.
(Source: The Divine 9, By Bro. Lawrence C. Ross, Jr.)

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